On Today's Podcast
Were Dinos On Their Way Out Before The Asteroid Hit? Maybe Not
Two new studies suggest that, contrary to longstanding beliefs, dinosaurs were not on the decline before the Chicxulub asteroid impact.
Listen NowNovember 7, 2025
Two new studies suggest that, contrary to longstanding belief, dinosaurs were not on the decline before the Chicxulub asteroid impact. Plus, a giant infrastructure project aims to block invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan, but Chicago’s polluted water already keeps them out. And, Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City is the only place where axolotls live in the wild, and they face growing threats.
Holiday Gift Idea: Offbeat Science Books
From Rube Goldberg devices to jet packs, these books cover subjects that won’t disappoint.
6:50
Fixing ‘Misfolded’ Proteins for New Drug Treatments
Researchers were able to restore the function of incorrectly folded proteins in mice.
22:40
This Doc’s Miracle Drug? Exercise
Doctor Jordan Metzl says specific cardio and strength training regimens can treat a variety of ills.
16:28
In a New Play, Trusty Sidekick Is a Supercomputer
Madeleine George’s new play explores our dependency on technology—and each other.
22:35
The Best Science Books Of 2013
Journalist Deborah Blum and Maria Popova of Brainpickings.org share their top science books of 2013.
24:30
Reggie Watts Builds a Synthesizer, Bit by Bit
How do synths work? Reggie Watts shows off a synthesizer you can build yourself.
Where Do the Geminids Come From? (Hint: It’s Not a Comet)
Evidence suggests that these fireballs don’t come from a comet, but an asteroid with a tail.
Building a Synth, Bit by Bit
A new tool and toy from littleBits teaches you how synthesizers work while you make electronic music.
Fritz Kahn’s Fantastical Journey Through the Body
The German graphic designer was a pioneer of popular science communication, using familiar objects as metaphors for biological processes.
The ‘Bunny Girl’ on the Moon
In 1969, the Apollo 11 astronauts heard about a mythical goddess who lives on the moon with her rabbit companion.
‘The Simpsons’ Has Been Drip-Feeding Us Math
An excerpt from “The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets.”
12:03
China Shoots ‘Jade Rabbit’ Rover to the Moon
BBC science editor David Shukman talks about the motivations behind China’s moonshot.
34:17
The Simpsons’ Secret? It’s Written by Math Geeks
The secret behind “The Simpsons”‘ math jokes? A writers’ room full of ex-mathematicians.
15:02
Would More Technology Mean Safer Trains?
Seventy thousand miles of track will need to be outfitted with “positive train control” technology by 2015.
14:32
Speech Science: Tongue Twisters and Valley Girls
Unraveling the speech patterns behind tongue twisters and Valley girls. . .and boys.
17:06
Dissecting America’s $3 Trillion Medical Bill
Steven Brill discusses “Bitter Pill,” his investigation of skyrocketing healthcare costs.
Backstage at ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Being on set at the popular show left me starstruck.
Airplane of the Future?
This plane looks blue under ultraviolet light, but it’s designed to be green.
10 Questions for Mark Mello, Moth Man
The zoologist attributes his affinity for nature to a childhood of tromping outdoors.